- Dry socket is a painful complication that can develop after tooth extraction.
- It can cause intense pain, a foul taste in the mouth, and bad breath.
- Treatment is critical because untreated dry socket will slow down the healing of the socket and can lead to excruciating pain, and risk of infection.
- Contact your dentist right away if you think you have dry socket.
Having dental work done is painful enough, but if you must have a tooth pulled (extracted), you may be in for a world of pain due to dry socket, which is clinically referred to as alveolar osteitis.
According to WebMD, only about 2- to 5-percent of individuals develop dry socket after having a tooth pulled. Thankfully (you can stop holding your mouth now), this uncomfortable condition can be treated…
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket is a complication that can develop after tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, “a blood clot forms to protect the hole in your gums as it heals,” explains Healthline. But when the clot doesn’t form properly or falls out, dry socket can develop.
This is a cause for concern because dry socket leaves your bone and nerves exposed. Additionally, it can also be very painful and lead to other serious complications.